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AA877. Big Impressive 18 K Box Hinge American Watch Co Pocket Watch! This early Waltham is one of the nicest solid gold watches I've had in quite a while. The American Watch Co. Riverside movement is considered 14 size, but the case measures 49 mm in diameter, which is right in the mid-range for most 16 size watches. The pictures describe the case better than I can, but as you see, it is box hinged and solid 18K gold. There are two peaked decorations on either side of the pendant, and the case edge is oversized coin edge, more fluted. The edge of the back and bezel is rounded coin edge. The case back has large, ornate floral initials unlike any I have seen, in fact, I have not see this style of case before. I am not sure what the initials are - in fact, I can't even guess. Feel free to decide on your own what they are. The case shows some wear, but not a lot, and there is a very small indentation on the edge of the back. This is minor, and is shown in close-up on the left side of the mosaic, second image from the bottom. The front bezel is hinged and opens by depressing the crown. This allows access to the setting lever. Inside the case back is a bezel with glass instead of a dust cover, so the movement can be observed without opening a dust cover. This is a very nice and a very heavy case. The NET case weight is just a shade under 2 troy ounces at 54.4 grams. NET means the gold weight of the case alone without movement, crystals, springs, stem, etc. The original porcelain dial is perfect with no hairlines, no chips, and no scratches. The original thick beveled glass crystal is excellent with minor scratches. As noted before, this Riverside movement is actually 14 size and is a Model 1874. This has 7 jewels, but does have gold balance wheel jewels. This movement has been cleaned and oiled, and keeps reasonable time. This is a very nice and very unique solid gold watches. I do not collect gold watches, per se, so this will not fit in my collection, but I'm sure some of you would like to have it for yours.
$3295 |
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AA139. Early Lady Elgin 18K Gold Keywind Hunter!This is one of the nicest early ladies' hunters that I've had in years. This fine solid gold watch is 10 size, with a case diameter of 44 mm. The case is solid 18 karat gold and clearly marked as such. As always, I guarantee my gold watches are solid gold, not gold plate. The case exteriour is about 25% hand engraved with the balance engine turned, and has only light wear with crisp engine turning all the way across the curvature of the front and back covers. The case opens properly to 90 degrees, and closes properly and tightly. The hand engraving is identical on both sides, and shows two birds on either side of a nest containing 4 eggs. Neat case! The case interior is also of the highest quality as the images show. The maker's name, N. Matson & Co., Chicago, is stamped on both covers with K18 inside the marking. The rest of the interior of the front and back covers is highly patterned. This is one of the most ornate cases I've seen, but is typical of this early time period in American watch cases. Please be aware of the light scratching on the dust cover around the winding and setting holes, caused by a winding key. Not a big deal, but this is really the only visible sign of use on this entire case. I should add this is a heavy weight case with thick front and rear covers, and even the dust cover is thick. The total weight of this case, without the steel springs, is about 35 grams which is well over a troy ounce! There is a lot of gold in this fine timepiece!. The mint original porcelain dial is marked with a trademark representation of NWC, which stands for National Watch Co, the name used before Elgin was added to the name. Note the delicate and original blued hands, which are also in excellent condition. Not surprisingly, the movement in this case is also of the highest quality. As per the images, the movement is marked "Lady Elgin, No. 161300, Patent, Elign, Ill." and "Moseley's Patent" is on the balance bridge. The movement is keywind and keyset from the back side. The gilt finish is bright and excellent, with a single slight scratch across the barrel bridge. This early movement does not have the jeweling marked, but this fine watch does have 15 jewels, which is very high grade for the date of manufacture, 1873 (Advanced collectors - I am aware that the Elgin serial number list shows this as an 11 jewel movement. Sorry, that is simply not correct. This watch is jeweled on both plates. I've had the dial off, and I can count.) This movement has been cleaned and oiled, runs strong, and keeps time. It is a pleasure to be able to offer this fine watch for sale.
$1995 |